Nugent Grabs Late Winner As Boro Beat Hull In Dramatic Fashion

Middlesbrough    1        Hull    0

                                              Nugent 90

David Nugent came off the bench to score a last minute winner as Middlesbrough moved back into the Championship’s automatic promotion places.

The Boro striker headed home Albert Adomah’s cross with a powerful flick of his long neck muscles, to ensure his side beat promotion rivals Hull in dramatic fashion at the Riverside.

David Nugent celebrates his important last minute winner
(Picture from The Guardian)

It came after a tough few days for Aitor Karanka and his team, in which the Boro boss had missed the away defeat to Charlton and had to repel questions about a reported bust up with his players.

This though was the perfect tonic for last weekend’s turmoil and the Spaniard’s jubilant celebrations showed just how much the job, the fans and this group of players really means to him.

The timing of this promotion-chasing clash came a strange time for both sides. Hull hadn’t won in their last four league games while Boro had just lost back to back matches against sides in the bottom three.

This meeting was therefore the perfect opportunity for one of them to stop the rot and close the gap on runaway leaders Burnley.

Hull had chances, but squandered the opportunity to leapfrog their opponents in a Championship table which is now just nine games away from its conclusion.

Substitute Ahmed Elmohamady missed the best opportunity to put the visitors ahead ten minutes from time. It left Steve Bruce bemoaning his side’s inability to test Boro keeper Dimi Konstantopulos over 90 minutes.

In truth Hull keeper Alan McGregor had just as little to do, as both sides traded punches without recording many shots on target.

In the second half the game began to open up after both sides had enjoyed phases in the ascendency.

Adam Clayton and Tom Huddlestone both protected their respective back fours with strength and drive. While the centre back pairings of and Ben Gibson and Tomas Kalas for Boro, and Michel Dawson and Curtis Davies for Hull barely put a foot wrong.

In the end it became a game that neither side wanted and could afford to lose. It was clear that the two defences on show were by far the best in the league and that it was going to take something special to finally break them down.

Even so this was a different Boro side to the one which was humiliated in front of the Sky cameras at Charlton less than a week ago. Up until that game they hadn’t lost when playing in the league on TV and they rediscovered their winning habit here.

They also rediscovered that solidity and resolve which saw them go on a nine game run without conceding a goal back January. In their last few games, Boro’s so often reliable back line had looked porous and vulnerable, yet that wasn’t the case here.

It remains unclear exactly why Karanka wasn’t in the dugout against Charlton and in his pre-match press conference he denied a bust up with player, concluding ‘we are stronger together’.

This was certainly evidence of that and would seem to imply that any miss understandings are now firmly in the past.

Karanka made two changes to the side which started at the Valley on Sunday. Kalas replaced Dael Fy at centre half while Cristhian Stuani came in for Stewart Downing who dropped to the bench.

In contrast Bruce made four alterations to the side which were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night. The most notable absentee was that of top scorer Abel Hernández who made way for Sone Aluko.

The other chances saw Chuba Akpom, Isaac Hayden and Elmohamady drop out, as Robert Snodgrass, Jake Livermore and Huddlestone came in.

Despite a lively opening to the game there was little in terms of goal mouth action and both sides kept their defences firmly bolted up. Boro enjoyed most of the possession and came inches away from taking the lead when Stuani’s header was hocked off the line by Andrew Robertson.

Hull responded but Mohamed Diame’s effort was comfortable for Konstantopulos to save. The Senegalese midfielder is a big and powerful unit and can be a handful for defenders on his day. On the occasion Boro’s backline coped extremely well, and Diame was made to look clumsy and reckless after committing some late challenges before he was finally booked.

The visitors grew into the game as the half went on and should have gone ahead on 34 minutes. Sam Clucas’ cross from the left set up Snodgrass inside the area but his shot found the side netting.

Clucas had spent most of the half watching the lively Emilio Nsue, who had been charging forward for Boro from right back. However on the stoke half time the Hull winger found some more space on the flank and set up Livermore on the edge of the box. The former Tottenham midfielder took a touch before his shot was charged down by Clayton, who had been an influential figure in the middle of the park.

After the break the game showed signs of opening up. Konstantopulos tipped Aluko’s curling effort over the bar before punching away Snodgrass’ free kick.

Boro were urged on by large home crowd who were jeered on by some crunching challenges and passionate encouragement from popular full back George Friend.

Even so Hull wasted the best chance of the game when Elmohamady fired over the bar. It came back to bite them, as Nugent peeled off Dawson in dying minutes before heading  the ball low into the far corner and sealing a much valued three points.

Player Ratings 

Dimi Konstantopulos   7- Made a couple of decent saves and collected a few crosses

Emilio Nsue   7.5 Was a constant outlet and linked up well with Adomah in the final few minutes

Tomas Kalas   8- Barley put a foot wrong at the back

Ben Gibson   7- Distribution could have been better but defended well

George Friend   7.5- Charged forward in the second half and gave the whole place a lift

Grant Leadbitter   7- Made a few sloppy passes but was always there to pick up the pieces

Adam Clayton   8.5- Big game player. Won everything in front of the back four.

Cristhian Stuani   6- Looked uncomfortable on the right once again

Gaston Ramirez   6.5- Made some decent runs with the ball, could have done more to ease the pressure

Albert Adomah   7- Delivery let him down at time but he persisted and set up the winner

Jordan Rhodes   6.5- Once again the side didn’t really play to his strengths and he was give few chance to feed off

Subs

David Nugent   8- Created a spark upfront and came up with a huge stoppage time winner

Stewart Downing   6.5- Came on with 29 minutes to go, chased the ball but struggled to create a clear chance

Adam Forshaw- Replaced Ramirez with a minute to go, unfair to give a fair rating

My Boro Man Of The Match: Adam Clayton

Middlesbrough v Hull Preview

Aitor Karanka was in no mood to go into details about the mysterious events of last weekend and expressed that he ‘never left’ the club despite reports about his future.

The Middlesbrough manager wasn’t present for his side’s last game which they lost 2-0 away to Charlton last Sunday. It came after many reports had suggested that there had been an argument between Karanka and some of his players, however the Boro boss insisted that he still has ‘an amazing squad’.

Aitor Karanka will be back on the touchline for today's game
(Picture from www.mfc.co.uk)

When asked about the situation in yesterday’s press conference Karanka deflected questions about the incident stating that ‘there hasn’t been a problem and it is better to speak about the future as I don’t think the past is important’.   

Karanka referred to last Sunday’s defeat as evidence that the players are still behind him and that the team perform better when he is on the side-lines.

“When a team is not committed with a manager and the manager is not on the pitch then the players fly on the pitch” said the Spaniard. “The players (against Charlton) did not fly because we are stronger when we are together”.

It therefore remains unclear exactly what the issue was and why the Boro manager wasn’t at the Valley for such an important fixture. However Karanka did reveal that he still has a ‘fantastic’ relationship with Chairman Steve Gibson and that the pair had a 20 minute meeting on Monday to resolve the situation.

The good news for Boro fans is that spirits appear to be high again for tonight’s giant clash at home to promotion rivals Hull. Like Boro Steve Bruce’s side have struggled for form in recent weeks and haven’t won in their last four league games.

Team News

Boro centre half Daniel Ayala remains out with an ankle injury and it is still unclear when he will return to action. It means either Tomas Kalas or 18-year-old Dael Fry will probably start alongside Ben Gibson in defence.

Jack Livermore could return for Hull following a recent knee injury. According to the club’s website midfielder David Meyler has been ruled out through illness while Shaun Maloney and Nick Powell will also miss the game.

The Opposition

Like Boro, Hull’s promotion push has fallen flat in recent weeks after they appeared to be in a strong positon at the turn of the year.

After a decent FA Cup run they were eventually knocked out by Premier League giants Arsenal, who were coincidently Boro’s conquers last year, in a fifth round replay. They have since drawn consecutive home games against MK Dons and Nottingham Forest, both of which finished 1-1 after Hull fell behind.

Steve Bruce’s side haven’t won in their last four league games and top scorer Abel Hernandez, who has 17 goals this campaign, hasn’t found the back of the net for over a month.

The Tigers are just a point behind Boro, having played the same amount of games so tonight’s clash could be pivotal.

One To Watch

Sam Clucas

It is clear that Hull have one of the strongest squads in the division and have a lot of players with Premier League experience, however 25-year-old Sam Clucas, a summer signing from Chesterfield, has been one of Steve Bruce’s biggest assets this campaign.

Hull's Sam Clucas
(Picture from www.yorkshirepost.co.uk)

Clucas has featured in 35 of Hull’s 36 league games this season (only goalkeeper Allan McGregor has played in them all) and has contributed with six goals and seven assists.

As a natural winger Clucas can be a threat going forward but can also track back. Depending on which flank he plays on, he could come up against either George Friend or Emilio Nsue. Both Boro full backs have been great going forward this season, but haven’t been given a serious test defensively when playing at the Riverside.

Last Time Out

Hull 3 Middlesbrough 0

Hull inflicted Boro’s heaviest defeat of the season back in November, as the Tigers reached the Championship summit following a convincing victory at the KC Stadium.

Boro had chances in the first half, the best of which fell to David Nugent, however when Mohamed Diame converted Ahmed Elmohamady’s cross minutes before half time the hosts took control.

Hull doubled their lead when David Meyler's shot deflected in off Sam Clucas with 23 minutes to go. Tom Huddlestone added a third seven minutes from time.

Team I Would Play

(Picture from Gazette Live)

With Ayala out injured i think this is our strongest side available.

For me the biggest dilemma will be in midfield as Adam Forshaw has performed well in the past few weeks and has given us a more offensive option going forward.

However I would be inclined to leave him out on this occasion, simply because Leadbitter and Clayton have shown earlier in the season what a good and solid pairing they can be in the big games.

If they can make the team difficult to break down again it will allow the likes of Ramirez, Downing and Adomah to express themselves in the attacking third. 

Upfront I think Jordan Rhodes needs game time to get his confidence back while at the back. I would go with Kalas over Fry at centre back, simply because he has a bit more experience in big games and has done well whenever he has played there this season.

Boro Lose To Charlton As Karanka's Future Remains In Doubt

Charlton    2        Middlesbrough    0

                   Teixeira 57  Harriott 80

Middlesbrough lost a second successive game to a team in the bottom three, as manager Aitor Karanka’s future remained in doubt.

Jorge Teixeira heads Charlton ahead
(Picture from the Daily Mail)

The Spaniard didn’t travel with the team for their game with Charlton after he reportedly stormed out of a team meeting on Friday.  

Boro found no solace on the field as they were beaten 2-0 by a Charlton side who hadn’t won at home for 10 games before this fixture.

The game was delayed by five minutes due to protests from the home fans against Chairman Roland Duchâtelet.

At the start of the game the Charlton supporters throw black and white beach balls on to the pitch, while many disrupted the game by blowing whistles throughout the match.

It didn’t distract the home side who recorded a surprise 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Jorge Teixeira and Callum Harriott.

Despite the victory the Addicks are still five points from safety with nine games to go.

Boro remain second but could drop down to fourth on Tuesday if Hull and Brighton win their home fixtures.

Assistant manager Steve Agnew took charge of the side in Karanka’s absence, however Boro struggled to create chances in a lacklustre performance.

The closest the visitors came to scoring was when Charlton defender Rod Fanni turned Emilio Nsue’s cross towards his own goal but goalkeeper Nick Pope kept it out.

After the break Teixeira headed home Johann Gudmundsson’s corner on 57 minutes before Harriott capitalised on a defensive mistake 10 minutes from time.

Charlton v Middlesbrough Preview

Aitor Karanka won’t be on the touchline for today’s game away at Charlton, after a reported bust up with the team on Friday.

Karanka didn’t take training yesterday afternoon and hasn’t travelled with the team down to London. Assistant manager Steve Agnew will therefore take charge until the matter is resolved.

Assistant Steve Agnew will take charge of the team
(Picture from Gazette Boro)

The incident follows a run of inconsistent results for Boro, who lost to relegation-threatened Rotherham on Tuesday night.

Today’s game will recreate a similar scenario, with Charlton sitting in an uncomfortable 23^rd position and eight points from safety.

Despite their off field shenanigans, Boro remain second in the table with 11 games to go. A victory today would set them up nicely for next Friday’s crucial game with promotion rivals Hull, who dropped points against MK Dons yesterday.

At the other end of the table new Charlton manager José Riga will be hoping to build on his sides recent improvements which have seen them take 4 points from their last two games.

Team News

Boro centre back Daniel Ayala remains out with an ankle problem but captain Grant Leadbitter should be available again after starting on the bench at Rotherham.

However it should be noted that the midfielder has picked up nine yellow cards this season so will face a two game suspension if he receives one more.

Charlton will be without striker Yaya Sanogo, on loan from Arsenal, after he was sent off against MK Dons in mid-week. Goalkeeper Stephen Henderson missed that game and will be assessed ahead of today’s match.

The Opposition

Times have been bleak at Charlton for a while now and there have been a number of protests from fans against Belgian chairman Roland Duchatelet for his running of the club.

This campaign has been one to forget for the Addicks, who are eight points from safety with 10 games to go.

In October they sacked manager Guy Luzon after less than a year in charge. His predecessor Karel Fraeye lasted just three months and they have now turned back to former manager Jose Riga, who kept them up back in 2014.

Results have been mixed since his reappointment in January, however after losing a goal packed game 4-3 to Reading at the end of February - in which Sanogo scored a hat trick – Charlton have won away at Brentford before a goalless draw at home to MK Dons.  

One To Watch

Charlton's Callum Harriott
(Picture from www.watfordobserver.co.uk)

Callum Harriott

The 22-year-old has been in and out of the starting 11 over the last few years but looks like he may have finally pinned down a first team place.

The pacey winger scored both goals in Charlton’s 2-1 win at Brentford last weekend and seems to have benefited from a loan spell at Colchester earlier in the season.

If he can continue to score he will be a valuable assist in Charlton's late bid for survival.   

Last Time Out

Middlesbrough 3 Charlton 0

For 60 minutes it was a frustrating afternoon for Boro at the Riverside back in October. Charlton showed no signs of attacking as they placed 11 men behind the ball and tried to hold out for a draw.

Eventually David Nugent broke the deadlock with a poachers finish inside the area, Albert Adomah added a second minutes later before Daniel Ayala headed in a third.

Team I Would Play

GK Dimi Konstantopulos 

RB Ritchie De Laet

CB Tomas Kalas

CB Ben Gibson

LB George Friend

CM Adam Clayton 

CM Adam Forshaw

LM Albert Adomah

RM Emilio Nsue

CAM Gaston Ramirez

ST Jordan Rhodes

   

Chance Missed For Boro After Rotherham Defeat

Rotherham    1        Middlesbrough    0

                        Frecklington 88

Middlesbrough missed the chance to strengthen their position in automatic promotion places after they were beaten by relegation-threatened Rotherham at the New York Stadium.

Midfielder Lee Frecklington scored the only goal of the game two minutes from time to give the Millers their third victory in a row under new manager Neil Warnock.

Rotherham players celebrate after an important win
(Picture from footballleagueworld.co.uk)

The hosts managed to hold on despite losing defender Greg Halford to a second yellow card in the 89^th minute, and they are now just a point from safety.

At the other end of the table Boro remain second, but are now four points behind leaders Burnley (with a game in hand)and are just two points ahead of Brighton in third.

They have now played one game more than fourth place Hull and are just three points better off.

Aitor Karanka’s side had chances, the best of which fell to David Nugent. However the striker fired over the crossbar when he was sent through one on one with keeper Lee Camp and then headed Albert Adomah’s cross wide minutes later.

Gaston Ramirez was then denied by the inside of the post from a free kick, before Halford shot just wide for the hosts.

Camp then saved Ramirez’s effort, as the Rotherham kept the score level at the break.

In the second half they made the visitors pay when Frecklington converted Jonson Clarke-Harris’ low cross two minutes from the end.

Halford was dismissed for a second booking after fouling Stewart Downing, however it didn’t alter the result.

Rotherham v Middlesbrough Preview

Middlesbrough’s jam-packed Championship schedule continues tonight as they travel to Rotherham to play their third game in the space of seven days.

Aitor Karanka was impressed with his sides 2-1 victory over Wolves on Friday night, saying that he was pleased with the performance and that it ‘could have been 3,4 or 5’ if Boro had taken more of their chances.

Gaston Ramirez, who joined on loan from Southampton in January, scored both the goals and was awarded man of the match by Sky Sports after the game.

Karanka admitted he has had to ‘look after’ the Uruguayan international following his drop down to the Championship and the increased number of games.

However the Boro boss went on to say that Ramirez has settled in well and can be really important for the remainder of the season.

On paper Boro will be expected to take all six points from their next two games. Tonight’s opponents Rotherham are 22^nd in the table, then on Sunday afternoon Karanka’s side travel to Charlton who are also in the bottom three.

Even so the Spaniard remained wary of the upcoming fixtures, saying that tonight’s game could be the “most difficult game remaining” as Rotherham need the points to stay up.

“People will expect us to take six points (from the next two games) but that would be a big mistake” he said in his pre-match press conference.

Boro's Grant Leadbitter
(Picture from zimbio.com)

Team News

Karanka confirmed that centre back Daniel Ayala will remain side-lined with an ankle injury which he sustained last month. Captain Grant Leadbitter could return after missing Friday’s victory over Wolves.

Rotherham manager Neil Warnock will be without defender Lloyd Doyley who has a leg injury. Froward Luciano Becchio is also out with a calf problem.

The Opposition

Last month The Millers appointed Neil Warnock as their new manager and since then they have won two and lost two of their four games.

Warnock lost his first two matches in charge but Rotherham have since won their last two fixtures. At the end of February they won 2-1 at home to Brentford and at the weekend they claimed an impressive 1-0 away at Sheffield Wednesday.

Rotherham are now just three points from safety and have been given rejuvenated hope of staying up since Warnock’s arrival. They will be looking to record their third successive victory in tonight’s game.

Rotherham's Danny Ward
(Picture from www.rotherhamadvertiser.co.uk)

One To Watch

Danny Ward

Ward is a dangerous playmaker who can play in a central or wide position. In Rotherham’s last game Ward played through the middle on his own and caused Sheffield Wednesday plenty of problems.

Ward’s last goal came in The Millers’ last home game when he scored the winner against Brentford. He has scored three goals and claimed 6 assists this campaign, so Boro will have to keep an eye on him tonight.

Last Time Out

Middlesbrough 1 Rotherham 0

Boro won the revere fixture at the Riverside back in November when Stewart Downing scored the only goal of the game.  Jordan Bowery had a late chance to equalise for the visitors but missed the target; as Boro hung on to take all three points.  

Team I Would Play

(Picture from Gazette Boro)

At this stage of the season I think Karanka has to play the strongest side available. 

Grant Leadbitter may be available but doesn't need to be risked with Adam Clayton and Adam Forshaw in such fine form. I think Jordan Rhodes just needs games and once he stats scoring he could go on a prolific run.

I would recall Downing after he was left out at the weekend hopefully it propmts a good response from the winger. Karanka could play Fry or Kalas alongside Gibson in defense, I'd go with Fry just because of his height and presence in the air.  

Ramirez Sends Boro Top After Wolves Victory

Middlesbrough    2        Wolves    1

   Ramirez 26, 56                                             Gibson (OG) 89

In January the talk on Teesside was all about Jordan Rhodes, yet it is Middlesbrough’s other new arrival who has hit the ground running.

Gaston Ramirez scored twice as Boro moved back to the top of the Championship with a 2-1 victory over Wolves at the Riverside. That is now three goals in six games for the Uruguayan international, who has been an instant hit in the second tier.

Gaston Ramirez celebrates his second goal
(Picture from The Guardian)

For Rhodes this was another frustrating night and for now his first goal at the Riverside still eludes him. That’s not down to a lack of effort. The highly rated striker made constant runs off the last defender and put in a tireless shift for the full 90 minutes, yet nothing seemed to drop.

It could be argued that Rhodes’ presence paved the way for teammates like Ramirez to show their worth. Boro’s opener on 24 minutes came when Adam Clayton’s inviting cross was met by the Uruguayan who had arrived in the box undetected.

His second 11 minutes into the second half was even better - Ramirez twisted and turned around the Wolves defenders inside their own area before curling a right foot shot over Carl Ikeme, which then nestled into the bottom right corner.

Boro had been the dominant force up until the 88^th minute, but were made to sweat with two minutes remaining when Ben Gibson turned the ball into his own net from Matt Doherty's cross.

It didn’t alter the outcome, and Boro fans can now enjoy their Saturday afternoon knowing that with 12 games to go their side lines up in pole position in the end of season race for promotion.

Burnley could retrieve the top spot if they win away at home to Blackburn in today’s 3:00pm kick-off, but they will still have played a game more.

Even so, if Boro are to get the job done they need to focus on their own strengths and can’t rely on the frailties of others. This was evidence of sheer talent that can be released when their renowned players are on song. In truth a 2-1 victory undermined a productive night’s work.

Albert Adomah has looked like a player transformed since he was dropped and brought off the bench against Leeds a couple of weeks ago. Since then the Ghanaian international has been magnificent in games against Cardiff and Fulham and it was the same again here.

He closed the ball down sharply and delivered a number of appealing crosses, which on another day could have been converted. Adomah’s link up play with George Friend on the left flank produced one of Boro’s major weapons and they used it to good effect.

Elsewhere Adam Forshaw continued his good run of form in midfield where he lined up alongside Adam Clayton, due to an injury to Grant Leadbitter. 

Emilio Nsue returned to the side after being left on the bench against Blackburn in mid-week. The right back form Equatorial Guinia has been so influential this season that Boro fans have even created a new chant for him and they were in good voice once again.

The hosts almost opened the scoring in the very first minute when Ramirez engineered a clever flick to set up Adomah inside the area, but he rolled his shot past the far post.

Adomah tried his luck again from further out minutes later but couldn’t connect with the ball well enough to steer his shot on target. Tomas Kalas was the next to try when he drifted forward from centre half and bent an effort wide of the target, which Ikeme appeared to have covered.

Boro took the lead mid-way through the first half when Clayton kept an attack alive by curling a defence-splitting cross into the area. At that point Ramirez had already begun his run towards goal, he was therefore unmarked when the ball arrived and steered a low diving header beyond Ikeme.

Ramirez then set up Rhodes minutes later but the striker’s header was blocked and deflected wide for a corner. Rhodes must have thought he had doubled Boro’s lead just seconds after half time. He leapt well to head Adomah’s cross towards goal, but Ikeme tipped the ball over the bar at full stretch.

It wasn’t long before Boro had their second, though Ramirez’s persistence and skill. With his back to goal he turned and stroked the ball over Ikeme, while keeping the Wolves defenders at bay in the process. It was the type of quality in front of goal which Boro have lacked at times this campaign. Ramirez will be expected to produce them on a regular basis from now on.

That goal came seconds before the 57^th minute which Boro fans once again used to mark the passing of their famous commentator Ali Brownlee, who died aged 57 last month.  ‘One Ali Brownlee, there’s only one Ali Brownlee’ they sang again and again.

Wolves continued to huff and puff but struggled to get a clear run at the Boro defence. Rhodes was presented with another opportunity when Forshaw released the striker, however he was thwarted by Ikeme, who reacted well and was quick off his line.

The visitors reduced the deficit late on when Doherty’s cross was headed towards his own goal by Gibson and Dimi Konstantopulos couldn’t’ keep it out. The Boro keeper had little to do up until that point and Boro deserved their victory.

Player Ratings

Dimi Konstantopulos   7- Had little to do, assured when coming for crosses

Emilio Nsue   7.5 – Constant threat down the right on return to the side

Ben Gibson   6- Unfortunate own goal late on

Tomas Kalas   6.5- Part of a defence that was protected well

George Friend   7.5- Linked up well with Adomah and defended astutely

Adam Clayton   7.5-Quietly went about his business in front of the back four

Adam Forshaw   8- Always looks forward when he receives the ball

Albert Adomah   8.5- Was shattered by the end, was relentless on the left flank

Cristhian Stuani   6- Went missing too often on the right

Gaston Ramirez   9- The quality Boro have been missing up front, 2 goals great all round display

Jordan Rhodes   6.5- Getting in the right areas but still lacking a bit of sharpness (or luck). It should come soon enough

Subs

Julian De Sart – Only came on for the last three minutes, unfair to give a fair rating

My Boro Man Of The Match: Gaston Ramirez

Boro Miss Chance To Go Top After Blackburn Defeat

Blackburn    2        Middlesbrough    1

                   Akpan 47 Graham 83                                        Forshaw 90

Middlesbrough missed the chance to go top of the Championship as they were beaten 2-1 by Blackburn at Ewood Park.

Ex-Boro players Danny Graham and Jason Steele were out to haunt their former side, as Blackburn moved up two places into 16^th position.

Danny Graham scores the second goal of the game
(Picture from www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk)

Graham added the second goal of the evening seven minutes from the end, after Hope Akpan had put the hosts ahead after half time.

Goalkeeper Steele made a number of important saves to deny his former employers, most notably to keep out striker Jordan Rhodes who made the switch from Rovers to Boro in January.

Adam Forshaw pulled a goal back for the visitors, but it was too little too late as they stayed third in the table.

It could have been different for Boro, who had chances in the first half. Their closest effort came courtesy of Albert Adomah who shot wide from the edge of the area.

Rovers took the lead minutes after the restart when Matt Grimes' cross from the left was met by a powerful header from Akpan for the opening goal.

Boro almost equalised but David Nugent rolled his shot wide before Steele saved with his feet to keep out Rhodes.

With seven minutes to go Steele launched a long ball up field which Tony Watt flick on into Graham’s path. He calmly poked the ball past Konstantoplos to score his second goal for the club, after signing on loan in January. Forshaw’s late strike in stoppage time was only a consolation. 

Blackburn v Middlesbrough Preview

Middlesbrough could go back to the top of the Championship tonight if they beat Blackburn at Ewood Park.

The game was rescheduled after a waterlogged pitch postponed the match, which was originally scheduled to take place on Boxing Day.  

Boro boss Aitor Karakna said his team are now ‘more confident’ following back to back victories over Cardiff and Fulham, which have put his side back in touching distance at the top of the table.

The two sides met at the Riverside as recently as last month when they played out an unspectacular 1-1 draw. Since then Rovers have lacked consistency winning two and losing two of their four league games.

Team News

Boro's Adam Clayton
(Picture from mfc.co.uk)

Adam Clayton is available for Boro again after missing the last two games through suspension. Defender Daniel Ayala remains side-lined through injury, so 18-year-old Dael Fry could make his fourth successive start at centre half.

Rovers could be without Ben Marshall and Corry Evans, after both of were substituted in their victory over MK Dons with knee and ankle injuries respectively.

Boro striker Jordan Rhodes could start against the side he left in the January transfer window.

The Opposition

Paul Lambert made a decent start to his career at Blackburn when he was appointed in November but since then things have gone a bit stale.

After selling Rhodes he said he planned to build a new team, and fans could be forgiven for looking forward to next season already.

Rovers are 18^th in the table on 37 points, seven points above the drop zone, so they aren’t safe yet. A 3-2 victory over MK Dons at the weekend will have helped ease some nerves, following a Jordi Gomez’s winner in stoppage time.

One To Watch

Jordi Gomez

Jordi Gomez
(Picture from lancashiretelegraph.co.uk)

The experienced midfielder, on loan from Sunderland, has been an instant hit at Blackburn. He opened the scoring against Boro at the Riverside on his debut and registered two more against MK Dons on Saturday.

The 30-year-old is a threat from set plays and can shoot from distance. Boro will therefore have to make sure he doesn’t receive too much time in the ball in dangerous areas.  

Last Time Out

Middlesbrough 1 Blackburn 1

Boro salvaged a point in a poor game at the Riverside at the start of February. Jordi Gomez opened the scoring with a long range shot in the 72^nd before David Nugent equalised 11 minutes from time.

Team I Would Play

GK Dimi Konstantopulos

RB Richie De Laet

CB Ben Gibson

CB Dael Fry

LB George Friend

CM Adam Forshaw

CM Adam Clayton

LM Stewart Downing

RM Albert Adomah

CAM Cristhian Stuani

ST Jordan Rhodes